1 Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; 2 and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:1–3
There are times we think we’re on a desert island somewhere, with no direct communication with civilization and no specific direction from those who know what to do. To combat this, the need to pray for one another is vital.
Going along with this is the need for a platform for ongoing direct communication to others that you are praying for them and that you also need prayer. This exchange of firsthand prayer requests allows for engagement in the spiritual journeys of others and the mutual observation and glorification of the work of the Spirit of God. This process is always happening in my wife’s long standing weekly “ladies Bible study” in our home, an intimate but exclusive group of women.
As a key reason for the need to get and stay engaged, at every turn Paul and his men were constantly dogged by the opposition of evil men. Being the tip of the spear for the advancement of the gospel throughout the known world, they were always confronted by the “evil one.” As such, their continuing “prayer request,” was strength to endure, protection, and in some cases, rescue from perversity. It was comforting to know a whole group of godly believers had their backs. This brings new meaning and importance to the cliche “pray for the missionaries.”
It is always good to remind one another in our conversations that the Lord is faithful, and that you’ve got their back and you’d like them to have yours.
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